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Perceptions of Work/Life Balance Among U.S. Advertising Students: A Study of Gender Differences
- Advertising & Society Review
- Advertising Educational Foundation
- Volume 14, Issue 4, 2014
- 10.1353/asr.2014.0004
- Article
- Additional Information
U.S. advertising students rated statements pertaining to work/life balance in the advertising industry as part of a national survey. A factor analysis of the statements revealed four underlying dimensions—Balance, Parenting, Career Now, and Work Obligation. Students generally indicated that they “want it all” with respect to a rewarding career and a full personal and family life. However, a slightly positive response on the Balance dimension indicated a general modest tilt toward work over leisure. Men showed statistically significantly stronger leanings toward career than did women, a finding consistent with the literature. Results indicate a relationship between career orientation and a desire to work in the advertising business after college, a finding that may bode well for the industry. Implications of the findings for advertising employers and educators are discussed.